Improve Patient Recall Research Articles

Patients' perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing

Studies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing. We sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients' perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens. After patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients. Response rate was 52.1%, 757 surveys returned: 518 women (68.4%) and 239 men (31.6%). More than 75% (578) of respondents were at least "somewhat satisfied" with the process; 51% (388) were "very satisfied." More than half (430, 58.3%) reported improved dermatitis. The 580 patients who had positive reactions remembered a mean of 51.0% of allergens; 198 of these (34.1%) remembered 100%. Of 2547 positive reactions to allergens, 1229 (48.3%) were remembered correctly. Limitations were reporting bias and individual interpretations of questions. Although patients reported both satisfaction with patch testing and improvement in skin conditions, they forgot more than 40% of identified allergens. Techniques are needed to improve patient recall.

PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL ON THE ROLE OF PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLETS IN OBTAINING INFORMED CONSENT

The aim of this study was to determine whether patient information leaflets help to improve patient recall during the process of informed consent. A prospective randomized controlled trial that compared a group of patients who were posted a patient information leaflet with those given verbal consent only was carried out. The study was conducted at the orthopaedic unit of a district general hospital. A total of 110 patients were selected, of whom 57 were randomly allocated to receive patient information leaflets by post and 53 were given verbal consent only. The outcome measure was the recall of information given to the patient. This was tested on admission by using a questionnaire. Each patient was allocated a score out of 10. There was a significant difference between the patients in the group that received patient information leaflets and those in the group that did not (P < 0.0001; confidence interval, 2.0-3.1). Patient information leaflets are a useful tool for the surgeon to improve the recall of the information given to the patient, in order to facilitate informed consent.

Written reports improve patient recall of endoscopy results and recommendations

Written reports improve patient recall of endoscopy results and recommendations

A prospective study of the effects of a standardized complication sheet on the process of informed consent

Many centres rely on the doctors’ notes in recording which risks patients have been warned of preoperatively in the informed consent procedure. We investigated the use of a sheet listing all complications of all ENT procedures in defined sections. Patients read and sign for those risks applicable to the planned surgery. One hundred elective patients were randomly assigned to the new and old consent procedures. Data was collected viavisual analogue scales on pre- and post-consent anxiety, pa tient recall of complications, patient satisfaction with the consent procedure and patient impression of whether they had been given too much or too little information. In all these measures there was no significant difference between the two groups although complication recall was higher in the new consent group (0.1 > P > 0.05). Data was also collected on the number of complications recorded in the notes. Of potential complications 7.1% were recorded under the old system compared with 98% using the complication form (P < 0.01). We conclude that our existing system is inadequate in re cording details of complications explained and the new technique provides a superior method of recording these details without increasing patient anxiety and with likely medicolegal benefits. It may also improve patient recall of operativerisks.

Clinical evaluation of two strategies for improving patient recall of prior drug therapy.

The ability to recall details of current and prior drug therapy was evaluated in two studies employing a total of 94 patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. Ten per cent of patients were unable to completely recall the names of their current anti-inflammatory drugs and eighty-three per cent of patients to completely recall the details of prior anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Prompting firstly with the proprietary names of drugs and thereafter with a pill board substantially enhanced recall particularly for prior NSAID therapy. Nineteen per cent of responses obtained with verbal prompting were inaccurate. No such problems were encountered in responses obtained using the pill board. These findings indicate that a complete and accurate drug history can only be obtained in the majority of patients using recall enhancement strategies.

Improving Physician-patient Communications in Cancer Treatment

Effective and clear communication is essential to the physician- patient relationship. This relationship is especially important in the care of oncology patients. Among the problems that are increasingly recognized as impediments to clear and effective communications about oncology treatment are the lack of readability of informed consent documents and difficulties in communicating complicated medical instructions orally. Among the techniques for increasing the readability of written communications such as consent forms are the use of short words, simple declarative sentences, and analyses of readability using standard assessment approaches. Strategies for improving patient recall of orally presented information include using specific, definite advice rather than abstract, obscure suggestions and dividing infomation into five distinct components. The authors conclude that steps can be taken to increase patients' understanding and comprehension of both written and spoken medical information during oncologi...

Improving patient recall and comprehension of the treatment regimen

The failure of patients to comprehend medical advice or to recall accurately the instructions their physicians give them may destroy the effectiveness of even the most scientifically sound treatment regimen. The proper use of practical and simple communication techniques may greatly assist the physician in educating the patient. Knowledge of the current status of research on the recall of medical information will assist the practitioner in communicating so that patients can improve their retention of medical instructions and advice.